Merivale's Highly Anticipated Italian Diner Totti's Will Open This Weekend in the Lorne Hotel

In November last year, Sydney hospitality giant Merivale confirmed the Lorne Hotel would play host to a fifth outpost of the hospitality group's much-loved Italian eatery Totti's. Now, we have a confirmed opening date for pasta lovers in Victoria. Victoria's first Totti's venue will throw open its doors this Saturday, March 11, with bookings opening later this week on Wednesday, March 8.

Launching as the group's first Victorian opening — and the first-ever outside of New South Wales — the restaurant will be helmed by Merivale Executive Chef (and Totti's creator) Mike Eggert, along with Lorne Hotel Executive Chef and Surf Coast local Matt Germanchis. It'll take over the Ground Floor space formerly home to MoVida Lorne, where Germanchis was most recently on the pans.

The venue's set to plate up a faithful interpretation of the Italian fare that's earned Totti's its cult status up north, though with a few twists and new creations courtesy of the local chef. Familiar favourites will be in strong supply, from the puffy wood-fired bread to the fresh pasta; while the hotel's location will guide the menu's expansive seafood offering, showing off plenty of locally sourced ocean-fresh inclusions.

Similarly, the drinks list is set to zero in on Victorian winemakers and producers, across a broad-ranging lineup of drops for all tastes.

As for the vibe, it'll also embrace the restaurant's coastal setting, the space just as well suited to long weekend lunches, as to thirsty walk-ins strolling fresh off the beach. And you can expect foreshore views from every seat in the house.

Totti's has proved a winning concept in Sydney since the opening of its OG Bondi outpost. The stable has expanded to include venues in Rozelle, the Sydney CBD and, as of August, Allianz Stadium, where Merivale has taken over the entire food and drink offering.

The expansion into Victoria was initially announced back in May of 2021, with the news it had purchased the historic Lorne Hotel to play host to Victoria's first Totti's.

Totti's Lorne will open its doors on Saturday, March 11 at midday at 176 Mountjoy Pde, Great Ocean Rd, Lorne. Bookings will open via the Totti's Lorne website at 9am, Wednesday March 8. 

Images: Ashley Ludkin